Category: countryside

countryside

A Government Out of Touch with Rural Realities

BY BERT BURNETT The Impact of New Bird Flu Regulations on Rural Practices In a move that has sparked considerable debate among farmers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, the government has announced a directive requiring the registration of live decoy crows in crow-catching cages. These crows, held captive and never to be released, stand as the focal point of a controversial strategy aimed at combating bird … Continue reading A Government Out of Touch with Rural Realities

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countryside

Eco Illiteracy

BY JOHN NASH On Monday 18th November, by an amazing coincidence just in time to confuse Farmer’s Day on the 19th, YouGov published a survey, “Where do the British public stand on hunting?”   The short answer is they don’t – their ability to stand on hunting approximates that of standing a drunk worm on end. It makes for interesting reading, mainly because it illustrates … Continue reading Eco Illiteracy

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countryside

Preserving Britain’s Historic Estates: Challenges and Opportunities

The United Kingdom is rich in historic estates and has a wealth of history. These mansions and gardens are symbols of the history this country carries, preserving cultural identity and heritage. The upkeep of these properties is a hard, unforgiving and resource consuming task. Let’s learn more about the challenges and opportunities of preserving Britain’s historic estates. The Financial Burden of Upkeep Historic estates are … Continue reading Preserving Britain’s Historic Estates: Challenges and Opportunities

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Conservation, countryside

Golden Eagles Soaring

BY BERT BURNETT In recent years, discussions about wildlife in Scotland have repeatedly centred on concerns regarding species decline and environmental degradation. However, one notable success story that challenges this often-cynical narrative is the remarkable recovery of the Golden Eagle population in Scotland. Contrary to the prevailing perception in the Guardian and across the BBC of a “nature-deprived” UK, data suggests that Scotland is home … Continue reading Golden Eagles Soaring

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countryside, scotland

Forestry and Woodland Creation Regulation

BY CALUM CAMPBELL Scotland’s forestry and woodland creation schemes are coming under scrutiny, with growing concerns about the harmful impact they are having on already endangered wildlife. This is your chance to push for change in the way these schemes are regulated and implemented, to protect our natural heritage for future generations. A case in point is the Muckrach Estate near Grantown-on-Spey, which recently received … Continue reading Forestry and Woodland Creation Regulation

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Art, countryside

The Hood in the Wood

BY THE EDITOR Andrew Hood, not to be confused with Robin Hood, is a contemporary British sculptor known for his distinctive work that often merges fine art with elements of nature and the human experience. His sculptures explore themes such as movement, form, and the interplay between different materials. Hood has gained a reputation for his innovative techniques and varied use of materials, including metal, … Continue reading The Hood in the Wood

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countryside

The Benefits Of Spending More Time In The Countryside And How Those With Low Mobility Can Still Enjoy It

The great British countryside offers a number of benefits for both our physical and mental health, but it can sometimes be difficult for those with low mobility to be able to access it. In this article, we’ll cover some of the key benefits of spending more time in the great outdoors, as well as how it’s possible for those with mobility issues to access more … Continue reading The Benefits Of Spending More Time In The Countryside And How Those With Low Mobility Can Still Enjoy It

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countryside

Reflections on a Cornish Rockpool

BY DOMINIC WIGHTMAN Yesterday, as I wandered with my dogs along the rugged Cornish coast, it struck me that a seemingly inconspicuous rockpool off the beach at Duporth has silently witnessed the relentless march of time. Encased in a frame of weathered stone, this modest pool has observed and mirrored the lives of those who have paused to gaze into its clear depths over many … Continue reading Reflections on a Cornish Rockpool

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countryside

Ticks and Lunatics

BY CHARLIE ABASCAL In the UK’s picturesque countryside, particularly the uplands of Scotland, an escalating crisis looms—one marked by the rise of tick populations. These small, blood-sucking parasites present more than a simple annoyance; they pose a significant threat to wildlife, livestock, and humans. Ticks are notorious carriers of Lyme disease, a growing danger to all who enjoy the great outdoors. Despite the severity of … Continue reading Ticks and Lunatics

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countryside

Dear Secretary of State, Mr Steve Reed

Dear Mr Reed, Many congratulations from the Squires on your new role as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. No doubt for the last weeks and months you have had all sorts attempt to curry favour, from farming lobbyists to Croydon’s animal rights terrorists (if you want the latest list, please feel free to get in touch), from moorland reps to ‘Stale … Continue reading Dear Secretary of State, Mr Steve Reed

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countryside

Raptor Persecraption: Heavens to Murgatroyd

BY BEN O’ROURKE Heavens to Murgatroyd! How did a botched bird report become the seminal study on raptor persecution? Most of the tags attached to the birds of prey failed and less than a handful were confirmed illegally killed, yet researchers fiddled the figures to support an agenda. Ruth Tingay sat in her office one morning in March, 2019, clutching a wad of freshly-printed paper, … Continue reading Raptor Persecraption: Heavens to Murgatroyd

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countryside

The Biodiversity Triumph of Glenogil Estate

BY BERT BURNETT The film “In Search of Science” (2018) showcases the remarkable variety of species discovered by international scientists on an Angus Glens estate. If you haven’t seen it, it’s well worth a watch. Produced by Pace Productions UK, the film documents visits to Glenogil Estate by German conservationist Dr Daniel Hoffman and his team from Game Conservancy Deutschland. In total, 98 different bird … Continue reading The Biodiversity Triumph of Glenogil Estate

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countryside

Capercaillie in Scotland

BY CALUM CAMPBELL I photographed this magnificent cock capercaillie (below) a couple of years ago. I had mixed emotions: excitement and thrill but also sadness at their plight. Currently, the capercaillie population is so low it is hardly sustainable. Their numbers are alarmingly declining due to several reasons. Capercaillie chicks need June to be dry. About three-quarters of their energy is used for rapid growth, … Continue reading Capercaillie in Scotland

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countryside, Letters

Gamekeeper Persecution

BY BERT BURNETT Dear Editor, According to the RSPB, satellite tags affixed to eagles’ backs are deemed entirely reliable. When they cease to function, it indicates a high likelihood of foul play, suggesting that the tracker has been intentionally disabled and destroyed. In the event of the bird’s natural demise, the RSPB asserts their ability to locate the deceased bird through its tracker. Currently, every … Continue reading Gamekeeper Persecution

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countryside, Local Government

Green with Ennui

BY ROGER WATSON Plans to create a unitary mayoral authority covering the present East Riding of Yorkshire Council area including Hull, which presently has its own city council, were published on the 23rd of November 2023. The details are contained in the Hull and East Yorkshire Devolution Deal. As I explained recently in the Daily Sceptic, a major plank of the devolution proposals is achieving … Continue reading Green with Ennui

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